The Spartans (3-6, 2-3 in Western Athletic Conference) must win their final three games to become bowl eligible. Turbin and the Aggies (3-5, 1-2) won’t make it easy.

Turbin is back fully healthy this season after missing all of 2010 with a knee injury. The year before, he ran for 190 yards and two touchdowns in Utah State’s 24-9 win over the Spartans.

Through eight games this season, Turbin has 921 rushing yards and a conference-best 16 touchdowns. He ranks sixth on Utah State’s career rushing chart with 2,719 yards and is the school record holder with 44 touchdowns.

“What Robert brings to this team on and off the field is immeasurable,” Aggies coach Gary Anderson said. “He’s a tremendous leader. His work ethic is very contagious. He’s unselfish. He’s the whole package as a player. I absolutely love him.”

Turbin had various college options out of high school, including San Jose State. But he’d lived in the Bay Area his entire life and wanted to taste a new place.

“It’s much, much different, but it’s been great,” said Turbin of life in Logan, Utah. “I’ve been able to grow as a man.”

He also will need just one math class after December to complete his degree in sociology, with a minor in business. With his schooling complete, Turbin could choose to enter the NFL draft in the spring.

He hasn’t made a decision and Anderson isn’t sure what he’ll do. “I believe he’s a next-level performer,” the coach said.

The road hasn’t always been easy at Utah State. Turbin missed all of the 2007 and 2010 seasons with injuries, but has not allowed himself to be derailed.

Facing a school that once pursued him doesn’t provide Turbin with additional fuel.

“I’m motivated by the same thing every single day,” he said. “That’s to be the best running back I can be.”

Otto Warmbier was arrested in January 2016 at the end of a brief tourist visit to North Korea. He had been medically evacuated and was being treated at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center when he died at age 22.